Mechanical-target range



July 14, 1925.

C. H. HELLING MECHANICAL TARGET RANGE Fi1ed llay 3, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Iglu C. HELLING MECHANICAL TARGET RANGE filed May s, 1922 2 sheets-sheet i2 n* M n) lnx/M UP f www@ Patented July 14, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENTQFFICE.-

CHARLES H, HELLING, 0F OAKLAND, antisemita, assrGNoR on ONE-HALF To JOHN H. Hnnnine, on sinne/ione, enignonnin. s i

MECHANICAL-TARGET RANGE.

Application filed Mil? 3,

To @ZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that l, Cuantas H, HELLING, a citizen of the United States, residing at Oakland. county of Alamedmand State of California, have invented new and uselul improvements in lvlechanical-Target Ranges, of which the following is a specitication.

This invention relates to a target apparatus, wherein is employed an imitation lirearm, such as a gun or pistol. so mounted that can be turned horizontally and vertically to be aimed at any one oi' several targets or objects disposed on pedestals or other supports arranged at a suitabledistance forward ot' the gun, and which apparatus is provided with a striking device actuated by the trigger ot' the gun in such a manner that it a correct aim is taken the striking device will indicate a hit by knocking down the target.

The object of thepresent invention is to generally improve and simplify devices of the character described; to provide an apparatus which permits the use of natural targets, suoli as birds, beasts, etc.; an apparatus in which the targets are loosely placed on pedestals or other suitable supports, and in which no connection is made with the tire-arm and the striking mechanism actuated thereby, and from which supports they fall or are knocked off by the striking mechanism when a correct aim is taken; an apparatus in which the mechanism is concealed, thereby mystifying the operator .and spectators as to the means employed for knocking down the targets; and further an apparatus which is not only amusing in character, but also educational to the eX-` tent that skill in aiming and tiring 1s obtained as Aordinary gun or istol practice and `without danger, as projectiles and explosives are not required.

5ine form which my invention may assume is exempliiied in the following description and illustrated in the following drawings, in which- Fig. l is a central, vertical, longitudinal section through the apparatus.

Fig. Zr is a detail sectional view ofthe pistol and a portion of the mechanism actuated thereby.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the pistol.

Fig. 4 is a plan View ofthe target range.

3.322,. .Serial No. 558,055-- Fig. 5 isa Sectional detail view 'of the lower end of the pedestal by 'which the pistol .is supported.' i A i Fig. 6 is a cross section of the pedestal l0, said View also showing the 'bear'f bracket ll, in which it turns,

Referringto the drawings in detail,}and particularlyto Figs. l 2, A indicates in general a base member which in this nstance consists of a cover section 2 anda base or bottom section 3. A suitablespace formed between the bottoinand the cover section 2 Vand within ythis space is mounted a .mechanism `hereinafter to ber described. Disposed atone end of the base or support is a pedestal B, andarranged at the opposite end of the base or supportis a plurality of pedestals or supports as indicated at C, l) and F. The pedestal B serves asa support for va pistol E, or other suitable-form of tire-arm, while the pedestalsfC, Eand F serve as supports for thetargets, generally indicated at 4. Any form oftarget may be employed, but preferably natural objects, such as imitations of birds, beasts, etc. The targets are suitably placed on top of the pedestals C, D and F, and are in yno way connected with the pistol or mechanism `actuated thereby. A striking mechanism is however .employed which is actuated by the pistol when this is correctly aimed, and this striking mechanism serves the function of knocking the target oit the pedestal,- thus causing it to :tall to one side or another yand thereby indicate a hit.

`To clear-ly illustrate the manner of accomplishing this resultl it may 4be stated that the pedestals C, D and F are identical in construction and that each consists o fla tubular member 5 on the upper end of -which the vbird or other target l.employed may :be Vloosely placed. Mounted yinterior of each pedestal and guided thereby is a rod 6, which will hereinafter be termed'the striker', and adapted to impart a vertical movement to one striker or anotheris a substantially horizontally disposedjaijm 7,

which is pivotally supported, as at 8, -and an angularly adjustable directing arm 9. The inner end of this arm is Vsecuredin a tubular member l0,wlnch is turnably supported ina bearing -ll of suitable construction. Forming anextensionbf the tubular member l0.-is a cone .shaped tube l2.k A

suitable interlock is formed between the tube 12 and the tube 10 and they are therefore adapted to turn in unison, as will hereinafter be described. Y

The fire-arm, generally indicated at E, and here represented by a' pistol, is supported by avertically disposed tube 13. This tube is pivotally supported, as at 14, in the upper end of the cone shaped tube 412 and permits vertical angular adjustment of the pistol when aiming the same, that is the pistol when grasped by the handle may be rocked vabout the pivot 14 in a vertical direction, and a high or low aim on the target 4 may thus be taken. In the present instance three targets are shown, see Fig. 4, and it is therefore necessary thathorizontal angular adjustment or pointing of the pistol Ahall be permitted. Such movement is possible as the pistol is supported by the tubes 10 and .12 and as these are turnablyv mounted in the bearing member 11, it can be seen that the pistol may be pointed so that any desired aim may be taken at the respective vargets C, D and F. The pistol is provided with a 'trigger 16 of any suitable construction, which is pivotally supported as at 17. The trigger' is provided with a'hammer 18 and this is propelled in a forward direction bythe action of'a spring 19. Pivotally disposed within the magazine of the pistol, as at 20, isa lever 21. One end thereof is Iadapted to be struck by the hammer 18, while the opposite end thereof is adapted to engage the upper end of a rod 22, which entends through the tube 13. The lower vend of the tube 13 is practically closed, as at 23, to form a guide for the rod and to form a support for a helical spring 24, which engages a collar and serves the function ofV normally supporting the rod 22 in a raised position. The lower end of the rod 22, which is particularly illustrated at 22a, in Fig. 1, is adapted to align with the upturned inner end 7a of the arm 7 when the pistol is correctly aimed, and a rocking movement will thus be imparted to the arm 7 when the trigger is released, as the lever 21 will engage the rod 22 and force the same quickly in al downward direction. lf the points 22a and 7 'are aligned, an impact will be transmitted to the arm v7 and thisv will then rock about the pivot 8. Again, if the arm 7 happens to be aligned with one of the striking rods 6, upward movement will be' imparted thereto and the target will be struck and knocked oiil the pedestal, thus indicating a hit. v

One of the features of the present invention is the novel meansl employed whereby correct aiming is required before la target can be struck. First it is essential that the tubes 10 and 12 be turned to swing the di- I 'recting" arm 8 and thearm 7 into alignment with the target aimed at. This is accomplished by turning the pistol horizontally until the correct aim is taken, and as such is the case alignment will be formed between the outer end of the arm 7- and thelower end of the corresponding striking rod 6. Correct alignment in a horizontal direction with relation to the target is in this manner obtained, but before the target can be knocked oli" its pedestal or perch, itis also necessary that; a correct vertical aim be taken. This is obtained by rocking the pistol vertically about the 'pivot 14 and a correct aim is obtained when the lower end 22a of the rod 22 aligns with the Ainner end 7 of the arm 7, thus if the trigger is released at this moment, it can be seen that movement will be imparted through the lever 21, rod 22 and arm 7, which imparts a rapid vertical impact movement to the striker rod 6, and that thiswill engage the lower side of the target and knock it off the pedestal or perch, thus indicating a hit; the knocking off of the target being .permitted as it is merely loosely placed on top of the pedestal and in no way connected thereto, and while a bird is here illustrated, it is obvious that a soldier or any other suitable imitation of a natural target may be employed; the main feature being a target which may be knocked off the pedestal when the pistol is correct-ly aimed.

The forward side of the tube 10 is vertically slotted, as at 30,see Figs. 1 and 5, to permit pivotal movement of the inner end 7 a ofthe arm 7. The lower end of this slot is V-shaped, as at 31, and serves as a guide and a support for the directing arm 9. The inner end of this arm is flattened, as at 32, see Fig. 6, and is laterallyv slotted, as at 33. A screw 34 passes through the slot and secures the armto a central lug 35 formed in the base of the tube 10. The slot 33 is important as it permits a slight horizontal turning movement of the directing arm 9 with relation to the tube 10, thus permitting adjustment of the same so as to permit the pistol to -be aimed slightly to the right. or left, or exactly aimed at the target as desired. A telescoping connection is formed betweenl the tubes 10 and 12, as shown inV Fig. 1, thus permitting the tube 12 and-the pistol carried thereby to be removed from the cover 2. The tubes or pedestals 5 are similarly removable with relation to the cover and as this is the case it can readily be seen that it is possible to open the coverV and to place the exposed parts of the mechanism interior of the base or box section A.' A package convenient for transportation, storage or otherwise is thus formed, which is exceedingly important when shipping and storing large quantities thereof. y

rlhe entire mechanism, including the striker, Yand vthat portion actuated by the fire-arm, is completely hidden from' view.

lli)

This is also important as it adds considerable mystery to the general operation of the device. Projectiles, explosives, etc., are not employed, thus eliminating all danger' of injury to the o perator or spectators', and it may further be stated that the device does not only afford considerable amusen'ient to the operator and spectators, but it is also educational as it permits practice in aiming and tiring as ordinary gun or pistol practice.

Vyhile certain features of the present invention are more or less specifically illustrated, I wish it understood that various changes in form and proportion may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims, similarly that the materials and iinish of the several parts employed may be such as the experience and judgment ot the manufacturer may dictate or various uses may demand. y

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is l. In an apparatus of the character described a base member, pedestal at one end thereof, an imitation pistol pivotally mounted on the upper end ot the pedestal and adapted to impart a turning movementto the pedestal, said pistol being also vertically movable about the pivot, a rod depending from the pistol and entering the pedestal, a horizontal arm pivotally mounted within the base and supported by the pedestal, said arm having an upwardly extending inner end with which the dependent rod is adapted to align during vertical pivotal movement of the pistol, a second pedestal, a target adapted to be placed on the upper end thereof and loosely supported, and means in said pedestal for knocking the target oi' the pedestal, said means being actuated by the horizontally disposed arm when the arm aligns therewith.

2. In an apparatus of the character described a base member, a pedestal at one end thereof, an imitation pistol pivotally mounted on the upper end of the pedestal and adapted to impart a turning movement to the pedestal, said pistol being also vertically movable about the pivot, a rod depending from the pistol and entering the pedestal, a horizontal arm pivotally mounted within the base and supported by the pedestal, said arm having an upwardly extending inner end with which the dependent rod is adapted to align during vertical movement of the pistol, a second pedestal, a target adapted to be placed on the upper end thereof and loosely supported, a vertically disposed rod mounted in said pedestal, the upper end of which is adapted to engage the target and knock it ofi the pedestal, a trigger in the pistol, and means actuated by said trigger for imparting a vertical movement to the dependent rod and the striker rod in the pedestal and a rocking movement to the horizontal arm rwhen the pistol is correctly aimed.

3. In an apparatusfof the character de scribed a base member, a pedestal turnably 3" the pedestal, a rod extending through the tube, a spring adapted to normally hold said rod in a raised position, a pivotally mounted'lever in the pistol engageable with the upper end ofl the rod, and a trigger in the lire-arm engageable with said arm and adapted to impart movement `to the arm and the rod.

e'. In an apparatus of the character described a base member, a pedestal turnably supported in one end thereof a tube lpivotally mounted in the upper end. of the pedestal, an imitation 'lire-arm carried by said tube, said lire-arm and tube adapted to be rocked in a vertical direction and also adapted to impart a turning movement to the pedestal, a rod extending through the tube, a spring adapted to normally hold said rod in a raised position, a pivotally mounted lever in the pistol engageable with the upper end of the rod, a trigger in the lire-arm engageable with said arm and adapted to impart movement to the arm and the rod, a directing arm carried b the pedestal and horizontally positione said arm adapted to be turned in unison with the pedestal, a plurality of target supports in the opposite end of the base upon each ot which a target is adapted to be loosely placed, a striker rod in each support, and an arm pivotally mounted on the horizontal arm and adapted to impart a vertical movement to any one of the striker rods when the fire-arm is correctly aimed and the trigger is actuated.

5. In an apparatus of the character described the combination with a pedestal, orn means permitting turning movement thereof, an Vimitation pistol supported by the pedestal and adapted to impart a turning movement to the pedestal, a horizontally disposed directing arm secured to the pedestal, and means permitting horizontal angular adjustment of said arm with relation to the pedestal.

6. In an apparatus of the character described a base member, a plurality of vertically disposed pedestals arranged at one end of the base member said pedestals being tubular in formation, a striker rod vertically movable in each pedestal, a target adapted to be placed on top of each pedestal and adapted to be engaged by the striker rods and thereby knocked off the direction and also l adapted to impart a turning movement to f pedestals, an imitation fire-arm 'supported at the opposite end of the base, a vertically disposed rod adapted to be reciprocated by the lire-arm, va horizontally disposed arm within the base and pivotally supported, means actuated by the pistol for turning the arm into alignment with a selected striker rod, an upturned end on-said arm, and means permitting vertical swinging movement of the pistol to move the vertical rod carried thereby into alignment with the upturned end of the horizontal 7. An apparatus of the character described, comprising an imitationpistol, a support therefor permitting horizontal swinging of ythe pistol Vand vertical horizontal swingingmovement of the pistol, a second support, a target adapted to be placed thereon andloosely mounted, a striker rod in said support and engageable with the target, a second striker rod movable in `unison with the pistol, a pivoted arm disposed below the striker rods, and means for swingingl the pivoted Yarm horizontally in unison with the pistol.

8. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a base member, a target support and an imitation pistol support at opposite ends thereof, a targetY adapted to be loosely mounted on the target support, an arm attached atone 'end to the pistol support, a connection between the pistol and its support whereby the support and the arm may be swung horizontally by means of the pistol so that the free end of the arm may be aligned with the target support, a second arm movable in unison with said arm and pivotally mounted thereon, a striker rod carried by the pistol and actuated by a trigger in the pistol, means permitting vertical pivotal movement of the pistol on its support to bring the striker rod into alignment with the pivoted arm, and means actuated by the opposite end of the pivoted arm when properlyaligned to knock the target off its support;

CHARLES H. HELLING; 

